Compiled by Donald E. Meyer, GMC Truck Historian, March 8, 2008. Revised April 14, 2008.

1902 - The Grabowsky brothers sold the first Rapid truck in Detroit. It had a 2-cylinder engine and was rated at I-ton. (They had built a single-cylinder cylinder prototype starting in 1900 but it was underpowered). They then formed the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, the first forerunner of GMC.

1902 - The second forerunner of GMC, the Reliance Motor Co. started business in Detroit in 1902 and built their first truck in 1903.

1905 - Rapid built a large vehicle assembly in Pontiac, Michigan and began building trucks there in 1906.

1908 - W.C. Durant bought Reliance for GM and moved operations to a new plant in Owosso, Michigan in 1909. The Randolph Motor Car Co. was founded in Chicago in 1908 and sold to GM in 1909. Durant moved that business to Flint, Michigan but sold it back to the original owner in 1911. Apparently Randolph did not influence GM truck design.

1909 - A 1-ton Rapid 6-passenger vehicle with flareside express body climbed Pike's Peak in Colorado.

1911 - The GMC logo was first used in the business of the new General Motors Truck Co.

1912 - Trucks with GMC logos were first shown to the public at the New York Auto Show. Actually they were Rapid and Reliance trucks with the GMC brand applied. By 1913, all were GMC brand.

1912 - Rapid and then GMC offered battery powered electric trucks in nine models - 1/2 to 6 tons capacity.

1913 - Reliance production was moved to the Rapid Street plant in Pontiac, Michigan and consolidated with Rapid/GMC.

1914 - The first trucks designed by GMC engineers were introduced, with capacities from 3/4 to 2-tons.

1916 - More new models were released with capacities up to 5-tons.

1916 - The U.S. Army used 3/4-ton GMC trucks to pursue Pancho Villa into Mexico.

1916 - William Warwick drove a loaded GMC 1-1/2-ton truck from Seattle to New York and back. It was the first truck to cross the U.S. in less than 32 days running time.

1917-1919 - GMC provided over 8,500 trucks to the U.S. Army for World War I. Most were 3/4-ton ambulances and 1-ton troop carriers or light aviation support trucks.

1918 - Over 90% of GMC truck production was for World War I military vehicles.

1920 - Pneumatic tires became base equipment on light GMC trucks, replacing solid rubber tires.

1920-1921 - New "K" models were introduced with capacities from 3/4 to 5-tons. They had Northway engines.

1921 - Electric lights replaced oil lamps as standard equipment.

1921 - GMC Dual Range 7- speed transmissions were standard in heavy duty models

1923 - Heavy duty truck tractors came out with capacities ranging from 5 to 10-tons including the trailer.

1924-1926 - GMC light trucks were replaced by Yellocab trucks built by Yellow Cab Manufacturing Co.

1925 - The Yellow Cab Manufacturing Co. merged with the General Motors Truck Corp. to form the Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Co. that built GMC trucks. 4-wheel brakes replaced brakes on rear only on some models.

1927 - GMC announced new "T" series models. The 1/2-ton Panel Express and Screen Side Express were built by the Oakland Motor Car Co. (later to be the Pontiac Motor Div. of GM). Pontiac engines were used in GMC light trucks from 1927 to 1932. 1 and 2-ton models were powered by more powerful and efficient Buick 6 cylinder valve-in-head engines.

1927 - "Cannon Ball" Baker drove a Buick powered T-40 2-ton GMC tank truck, loaded with Atlantic Ocean water, from New York to San Francisco in less than 6 days, setting a truck speed record.

1927 - The General Motors Truck Co. built a new truck assembly plant on South Boulevard in Pontiac, Michigan in just 6 months. With 26 acres under roof, it was the largest truck plant in the world at that time.

1930 - Tandem driving rear axles were first provided in the heaviest GMC model.

1931 - GMC took over production of Buick 6-cylinder engines. Buick was then using only straight 8s in cars.

1931 - Chevrolet cabs and front sheet metal were used on GMC light and medium models for the first time.

1931 - A GMC T-95 6x4 truck pulling a GMC trailer, both with Frigidaire refrigerated van bodies, carried fresh produce from Los Angeles to New York in record time

1931 - Two extra heavy duty models were added: A 4x2 rated at 38,000 lbs. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and a 6x4 at 50,000 lbs. GVWR.

1931-1940 - GMC built up to 21 models of truck trailer chassis They also made 5th wheel couplers.

1933 - GMC designed and built 6-cylinder valve-in-head engines in 8 sizes, from 221 to 707 cid. They were used in all GMC truck models that year.

1934 - GMC released their first cab-over-engine (COE) trucks with engines that rolled out front for easy servicing. GVW ratings ranged from 15,000 to 30,000 lbs.

1934-1937 - Oldsmobile 6-cylinder L-head engines were used in GMC light and some medium duty trucks.

1936 - Major changes appeared in all GMC conventional cab models. 15 new models were released, including 1/2-ton pickup and panel trucks with Olds engines. All other models had GMC engines that were in nine sizes from 239 to 707 cid.

1936 - GMC provided the first 187 1-1/2-ton 4-wheel drive military trucks to the U.S. Army.

1937 - 23 redesigned models featured new streamlined styling and 2-tone color schemes, directed by GM Styling Staff. GVW ratings ranged from 4,400 to 32,500 lbs. Heavy duty and cab-over-engine models had GMC built Helmet Top all steel cabs.

1937 - GMC introduced the Suburban Carryall light utility vehicle. It had 2 doors; 3 bench seats were available.

1937 - Hydraulic brakes replaced mechanical brakes on light models.

1939 - New "A" series models were released, covering the full range of sizes.

1939 - The first Detroit Diesel 3-71 and 4-71 engines were available in heavier models.

1940 - 33 models with tandem rear axles were added, along with 11 "Trunk Line Tractor" models.

1940 - Production of three new small block engines began: 236, 256, 270 cid.

1940 - Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines were released for the heaviest models.

1941 - New front sheet metal was released with new "C" series light and medium duty models

1941 - GMC built the first of nearly 530,000 2-1/2 ton 6x6 trucks for the U.S. Army. Most were powered by the GMC 270 cid engine that became famous as the "workhorse" engine of Army trucks.

1941-1945 - GMC produced nearly 584,000 multi-drive military vehicles for World War II.

1942 - In June, all civilian truck production was suspended by the U.S. Government.

1943 - The first of over 21,000 GMC amphibious 6x6 "Ducks" was delivered to the U.S. Army. Based on the GMC 2-1/2-ton 6x6 chassis, they were used in many sea-land invasions and river crossings.

1944 - GMC received the Army-Navy "E" award for excellence in the War effort.

1944 - Gen. Dwight Eisenhower included GMC 6x6 trucks and "Ducks" in the list of the six machines that contributed the most toward winning World War II.

1944 - Limited production of heavy trucks for civilian use resumed under tight U.S. Government control.

1945 - Government restrictions on civilian truck production were lifted midyear. GMC began building a limited selection of "Victory" light trucks, basically carried over from 1942, without chrome trim.

1945 - The UAW/CIO struck GM and its suppliers, resulting in loss of six months of production.

1946 - GMC released "E" series light and medium duty trucks, similar to earlier models but with traditional materials replacing wartime subsitutes. 48 models were offered with up to 55,000 lbs. GVWR.

1947 - Midyear, redesigned "F" series light and medium duty models came out with many improvements.

1947 - Restyling included distinctive "Bumper Bar" grilles.

1949 - New "H" series heavy duty models were phased in, including all new cabs and redesigned chassis, with much improved driver comfort, ride and handling, durability and appearance.

1949 - The GMC lineup then included 75 models with GVW ratings from 4,600 to 75,000 lbs.

1950 - Two new heavy duty diesel tractor models were released with medium duty cabs and DD 4-71 engines. They became the best selling tractors in their class because they weighed and cost less than competition. McLean Trucking Co. of Winston Salem, North Carolina bought 287 of them.

1951 - GMC provided over 9,000 military vehicles for the Korean War. Most were M-135 family 2-1/2-ton 6x6 trucks with GMC 302 cid gas engines, Hydra-Matic transmissions and deep water fording ability.

1952 - GMC celebrated 50 years of building trucks, starting with the first Rapid truck sold in 1902.

1953 - The heaviest GMC model was rated at 63,000 lbs. GVW and 100,000 lbs. GCW (Gross Combination Weight)

1953 - Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions became available in many models. The 4-speed version was applied to light and medium duty models and a 7-speed model was offered in heavies.

1954 - The base GMC 6-cylinder engine used in light trucks was upgraded from 228 to 248 cid.

1954 - Power steering was first offered as an option in many models.

1955 - All new GMC Blue Chip light and medium duty models debuted mid-year, featuring many improvements in comfort and styling. V8 engines were offered for the first time, providing more power and smoother operation than the GMC inline 6s that were still available. The V8s used in light and medium models were built by Pontiac and the larger V8s in heavies came from Olds.

1956 - Tubless tires were made standard on all GMC trucks. Later, options for tube type were released.

1957 - The first factory installed 4-wheel drive was available on light duty models. 1957 - GMC pioneered air suspension on front and rear axles of some heavy models.

1958 - Heavy duty GMC tractors with more fuel efficient Detroit Diesel engines were popular in fleets.

1958 - COE models with sleeper cabs became known as "Cannon Balls" after a TV series starred one.

1958 - Allison Torqmatic 6-speed automatic transmissions replaced Hydra-Matics in medium duties.

1959 - Two new heavy duty Diesel tractors were released, featuring tilting aluminum cabs-over-engine and front and rear air suspension with independent front suspension. Due to lighter weight and, on one model, set-back front axle, they could carry considerably more payload than other tractors.

1960 - Almost all models were new with independent front suspension on light and medium duty models.

1960 - "B" conventional cabs had a wide selection of components with GVWRs from 19,500 to 59,000 lbs.

1960 - "F" aluminum tilt COE models later became know as "Cracker boxes" due to the boxy cab shape.

1960 - "L" steel tilt COE models rounded out the new lineup.

1960 - Most models were powered by a completely new family of GMC V6 and V12 gasoline engines.

1960 - V6s were 305, 351 and 401 cid and the V12 was 702 cid, rated at 275 hp.

1960 - Detroit Diesel 6V-71 engines were available in most heavy models.

1961 - Detroit Diesel 8V-71 engines were offered in the aluminum tilt cab models with up to 290 gross hp.

1962 - GMC light and medium duty front ends were restyled and new instrument panels and interior trim packages were released.

1962 - A 4-wheel-drive medium duty model was added.

1962 - The 478 V6 gas engine lineup was added as an option in medium-heavy models

1963 - Coil springs replaced torsion bars in light duty 4x2 front ends and leaf springs returned to the rear.

1963 - In medium duties, I-beam front axles with leaf springs came back, replacing torsion bar IFS.

1963 - Chevrolet 230 cid inline 6 engines appeared as base equipment in GMC light trucks identified with an "I" prefix in the model designation.

1963 - Alternators superceded generators in most models.

1963 - Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmissions with torque converters replaced 4-speed Hydra-Matics in light trucks because the Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan. was destroyed by a fire.

1964 - Windshield corner pillars were once more slanted back to the top on light and medium conventional cabs, eliminating the "dog leg."

1964 - The Handivan light commercial van debuted, followed by the Handibus in 1965.

1964 - GMC Toroflow 351 and 478 cid V6 diesel engines were first offered in medium duty trucks.

1966 - Chevrolet 250 cid inline 6 cylinder engines replaced 230s in "I" models.

1966 - New 3-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions with torque converters replaced Powerglides.

1966 - Totally new heavy duty conventional cab models superceded prior heavies. Two hood lengths were available with either 92 or 114 inch BBC (bumper to back of cab).

1966 - A new 275 hp 637 cid V8 gas engine replaced the 702 V12 and two 637 diesels were added to the heavy duty line.

1967 - Redesigned light trucks came out with new safety features including energy absorbing steering columns and instrument panel pads and dual brake systems, before they were mandated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

1967 - A new "E" model series of medium duty trucks was announced.

1967 - A large number of forward control bus chassis was built for U.S. Army ambulances.

1968 - GMC ranked 3rd in total U.S. truck sales.

1968 - GMC began building all Chevrolet medium and heavy duty trucks in the main plant in Pontiac.

1968 - A full range of Chevrolet engines was available in GMC light trucks, from a 140 hp 230 cid L6 to a 310 hp 396 cid V8. Many models were cancelled that year due to low sales volumes.

1969 - New "C" series medium duty conventional cab models replaced "E" series. Chevrolet 250, 366 or 427 cid gas engines were available along with GMC V6 gas or diesels.

1969 - The new Astro series of heavy duty cab-over-engine trucks was released, replacing the "Cracker Box" models. The Astro offered greatly improved driver comfort and visability, much larger interior space and better ride and handling. Many more engine and drive train combinations were available including Cummins diesels in addition to Detroit Diesel engines.

1970 - GMC introduced the Jimmy short wheelbase SUV. It featured a removable fiberglass top.

1970 - All-new Vandura and Rallywagon vans replaced the Handivan and Handibus.

1970 - Cummins diesel engines were added to the Detroit Diesels available in HD conventional cab models.

1970 - The Allison AT540 4-speed automatic transmission with torque converter was released for medium duty and schoolbus models.

1970-1975 - GMC tested Detroit Diesel gas turbine engines in Astros but did not release them for production because initial and fuel costs were higher than for diesel engines.

1971 - New Sprint light pickups were announced. They were based on the GM "A" car platform.

1971 - Disc front brakes became standard on most light duty models, improving stopping ability.

1971 - Astro-Aire rear suspensions were optional with certain tandem rear axles, saving over 1,000 lbs. and providing smoother ride.

1972 - GMC was in 4th place among U.S. light truck manufacturers.

1973 - Redesigned light duty conventional models debuted with all new cabs and sheet-metal. Improvements included much larger interior space and glass area. 6-passenger crew cabs were available on 3/4 and 1-ton models and dual rear wheels were offered on 1-tonners. Engines available ranged from 250 cid L6 to 454 cic V8, all from Chevrolet.

1973 - Production of new medium duty conventional cab models started in an all new assembly plant on Opdyke Road in Pontiac, Michigan.

1974 - All remaining GMC V6 and V8 engines were cancelled. Gas engines were replaced by Chevrolet's.

1975 - The first world wide fuel shortage crisis caused a downturn in full size light truck sales.

1976 - Caterpillar V8 diesel engines were offered in upper end medium duty models.

1977 - The 75th anniversary of GMC trucks was celebrated.

1977 - The totally new General heavy duty conventional cab series was introduced. Featuring roomy aluminum cabs and long hoods, they were designed to compete against West Coast trucks. Two hood lengths were offered: 108 or 116 inch BBC.

1978 - The Caballero light pickup replaced the Sprint.

1978 - Olds V8 diesel engines were released for 1/2-ton pickups. Poor performance and reliability resulted in early cancellation.

1978 - GMC released the Brigadier 9500 heavy duty short conventional cab series that became very competitive in the heavy duty truck market, especially in fleets. The Brigadier 8000 series replaced H/J7500 models.

1979 - GMC was in 3rd place in U.S. total truck sales.

1980 - A recession and trucking industry deregulation resulted in lower sales of heavy duty trucks. In the next three years many trucking companies ceased operation so many good used trucks were available.

1981 - The General Motors Truck & Bus Group was formed, including these three main organizations: GM Truck & Bus Vehicle Operation, Detroit Diesel Allison Div. and Bedford Commercial Vehicle of the United Kingdom. Included in GM Truck & Bus Vehicle Operation were Truck & Bus Manufacturing Div., GMC Truck & Bus Operation and these staffs: International, Financial, Business Planning, Personnel and Public Relations.

1981 - Full size pickups, Jimmys and Suburbans received new front end sheet-metal and grilles. Uplevel trim packages included dual stacked headlamps.

1981 - Steel tilt cab models were dropped after over 20 years of production.

1981 - Production of the Top Kick version of medium duty conventional cab models began They were powered by Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel engines with ratings up to 222 net hp.

1982 - Chevrolet Truck Engineering was absorbed into GMC Truck Engineering under the Engineering Operation of Truck & Bus Vehicle Operation.

1982 - GMC entered the compact truck market with S-15 pickups to compete against imports.

1982 - 1.9L and 2.5L L4 and 2.8L V6 gas engines and a 2.2L diesel were available in S-15s.

1982 - Chevrolet built 6.2L V8 diesel engines were available in most full size light trucks.

1983 - GMC was the official truck of the XXIII Olympiad.

1983 - The S-15 Jimmy compact 2-door SUV debuted, powered by either a 2.5L or a 2.8L gas engine.

1983 - The Aero Astro package was offered, including a Dragfoiler air deflector on the cab roof plus side panels closing the gap between tractor and trailer to save fuel by reducing air drag.

1983 - Light and medium duty sales rebounded after a brief economic slump.

1984 - GMC began marketing the Isuzu-built Forward medium truck with tilting cab-over-engine.

1984 - Heavy truck sales surged up as the industry recovered from the effects of deregulation.

1985 - GMC entered the mid-sized van market with the Safari van. Both passenger and cargo versions were available with either 2.5L L4 or 4.3L V6 engine.

1985 - Medium duty conventional cab truck production moved from the Opdyke Road plant to the main assembly plant and combined with heavy truck production.

1986 - GM formed a joint venture with Volvo of Sweden to build and market heavy duty trucks.

1987 - GMC Truck & Coach Operation was renamed GMC Truck Div. of the GM Truck & Bus Group.

1987 - Midyear GMC began phasing in totally new 1988 Sierra full size pickups. They featured vast improvements in all areas and cleaner styling. Four-wheel drive models gained independent front suspension with torsion bars for better ride and off-road mobililty.

1987 - The Vortec 4.3L V6 gas engine became available in S-15 models.

1987 - Astro and General heavy truck production was discontinued because those series were cancelled.

1988 - Phaseout of the old style pickups (then called the R or V model) began.

1988 - Production of the Brigadier series at Pontiac ended. Thus GMC was out of the heavy truck business for the first time since 1911.

1989 - A modified S-15 pickup set new class speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

1989 - An improved TopKick medium duty series was released, replacing the old "C" series. GVW ratings ran from 22,000 to 54,000 lbs. Production of the new models moved from the main plant in Pontiac to Janesville, Wisconsin. As a result the main Pontiac plant closed down and later was demolished except for the steel framework of the main building that became the support for a new Truck Product (Engineering) Center. The GMC Adminstration Building, built in 1927-28, was also torn down.

1989 - Group headquarters were then in the Phoenix Center in Pontiac.

1990 - Safari vans were available with all-wheel drive.

1990 - Electronic fuel injection replaced throttle body injection or carburetors on gas engines, improving fuel economy and performance.

1990 - A Sierra pickup with a modified engine won its class in "The Race to the Clouds"army

up Pike's Peak in Colorado.							

1991 - A new compact pickup called the Sonoma replaced the S-15 and a longer wheelbase 4-door version of the Jimmy was added to the lineup.

1991 - The Syclone high performance version of the Sonoma pickup could go from standing to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

1991 - GMC released a heavy duty light truck model to compete against the Ford "Super Duty". It was rated at 15,000 lbs. GVW.

1991 - Magnavan, Vandura Special and Rally Camper Special cutaway versions of the full size "G" van were introduced for use with high-cube or motor home bodies.

1991 - 6.2L diesel engines were replaced by new GM turbocharged 6.5L V8 diesels, rated at 150 or 190 nhp.

1991 - New heavy duty 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions replaced 3-speed A/Ts in the heavier light trucks.

1991 - The LoPro medium duty model provided lower floor heights, ideal for rental fleets.

1991 - GMC provided over 3,000 light military trucks to the armed forces of Saudi Arabia. They were retrofitted with troop carrier or ambulance military by GM Military Vehicles Operation.

1992 - All new Suburban, Yukon and Crew Cab models were introduced with front end sheet-metal and many other parts common to the Sierra series.

1992 - GMC announced the Typhoon high performance package based on the Jimmy SUV. The engine was a specially modified 280 nhp 4.3L V6 that was turbocharged and aftercooled.

1993 - Athough GMC Truck Div. continued to market GMC trucks, the GM North American Truck Platforms replaced the Truck & Bus Group as the manufacturer of GM trucks..

1993 - Electronically controlled automatic transmissions were available in most light duty models, providing improved performance and economy.

1995 - The compact Jimmy SUV was redesigned to include many features seen in the Sonoma pickup. A 4-door version of the Yukon on a longer wheelbase was added.

1996 - GMC Truck Div. merged with Pontiac Motor Div. to form the Pontiac-GMC Div. of General Motors.

1996 - The word "Truck" was deleted from the GMC brand name as emphasis was on selling GMC vehicles to replace passenger cars.

1996 - A third door option was available on Sierra Club Coupe pickups.

1996 - A new series of Vortec gasoline engines featuring sequencial central port fuel injection for improved performance and economy was released in light trucks.

1997 - Pontiac-GMC Div. headquarters moved from Pontiac to the Rennaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

1997 - Bi-fuel provisions were available on Sierras to run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas.

1997 - Electronic shift controls were available for transfer cases in most 4-wheel drive models.

1997 - All commercial truck production was consolidated in the Flint plant so Janesville could build more SUVs. Totally new Savana full size "G" vans replaced the old Rally/Vandura models.

1997 - Upgraded "C" series medium duty conventional cab models superceded the TopKick line. Maxiumum GVWR was 61,000 lbs. for the 6x4 model. Gas and diesel engines up to 300 ghp were available. Thus, GMC re-entered the Class 8 heavy truck market after an absence of nine years.

1997 - GMC announced a new "T" line of forward control tilt cab meduim duty trucks that had many components in common with the "C" series.

1998 - Production of 1999 model year Yukons started in January of 1998 to avoid penalties for not meeting CAFE fuel ecomony requirements. Also the 2-door version of the Yukon was cancelled.

1999 - All new 1/2 and 3/4-ton Sierra pickups began to phase into production. They featured all-new styling and improved chassis design. Although the 4.3L V6 engine was carried over as base equipment, three new Vortec gas engines were optional: 4.8L - 255 nhp, 5.3L - 270 nhp and 6.0L - 300 nhp.

2000 - Following the new Sierra release were new full-size SUVs. Totally redesigned Yukon and Yukon XL models shared front end sheet-metal and other parts with Sierras, including the new V8 engines. The longer XL version replaced the Suburban. (Chevrolet continued to use the Suburban name).

2000 - The Envoy, an upscale version of the compact Jimmy SUV, was available with many luxury features.

2000 - In the "C" medium duties, a 7.4L V8 gas engine was available with either 210 or 270 nhp. A new Duramax 7.8L L6 diesel was used in the "T" series and a CAT L6 diesel could be ordered in either "C" or "T" models with ghp ratings from 175 to 300.

2001 - The upscale Denali package was added to options available on Yukon/Yukon XL, providing even greater luxury with upscale features.

2001 - Heavy duty light trucks based on the new Sierra series with GVWRs up to 12,000 lbs. were added.

2001 - A 340 nhp 8.1L V8 gas engine and a 300 nhp Duramax V8 diesel were optional in those new models.

2001 - The 8.1L engine was also available in the 3/4-ton Yukon XL, making it the best SUV for trailer towing.

2001 - Mid-year, GMC announced the all-new Envoy midsized SUV as a 2002 model, powered by a new 270 nhp Vortec 4.2L inline 6-cylinder engine.

2002 - GMC celebrated the Centennial for GMC trucks, counting from the sale of the first truck built by the Grabowsky brothers in 1902.

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CONCLUSION
After 100 years in business, GMC continues to provide motor vehicles that excel in value, quality, performance, economy of operation, carrying capability, comfort, reliability and styling.

The past for GMC is memorable. Old GMC trucks are very collectable. Many of them appear in antique truck shows. General Motors has several historic GMC vehicles in their Heritage Fleet that are displayed in the GM Heritage Center and in many vehicle shows.

With continued strong owner loyality the future for the GMC brand vehicles appears bright.

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NOTES
Many features listed were shared with Chevrolet trucks.
Except in the early years dates in the left column generally were model years and not calendar years.
Names in italics are tradenames registered by General Motors.
Schoolbus and walk-in delivery models were not included for brevity. They were available except in early years.

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